Wigan Warriors prop thrown curveball for 2021

Wigan Warriors prop Ben Flower will be hoping Toronto’s withdrawal from Super League is only temporary – having committed to being a Wolfpack player from next year.
By Paul Kendrick
Published 21st Jul 2020, 10:25 BST
Updated 21st Jul 2020, 10:45 BST
Ben FlowerBen Flower
Ben Flower

The Wales prop is understood to have signed a three-year deal with the Canadian outfit – as first reported by the Wigan Post – from 2021.

But it’s by no means set in stone after the Wolfpack were forced to pull out of the remainder of the 2020 campaign, citing the “overwhelming financial challenges” of the coronavirus crisis.

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The club, who had lost their opening six matches of the campaign before it was curtailed, had been due to resume against Hull KR on August 2. And, their move drew a strongly-worded joint statement from Super League and the RFL.

The statement read: “Super League and the RFL are very disappointed to learn Toronto Wolfpack will not be able to fulfil their obligations to Super League 2020.

“Super League Europe and the RFL have been in regular dialogue with the Wolfpack over the past weeks and months regarding the club’s ability to take part in the competition, and firm assurances had been received as recently as last Thursday, 16 July.

“The club’s decision is especially disappointing given the imminent restart of the season.”

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Despite the high-profile signing of Sonny Bill Williams, Toronto had lost their first six matches of their debut top-flight season and were facing the imminent prospect of relegation back to the Championship.

The club were already facing up to the prospect of having to cancel their remaining scheduled fixtures in Toronto, and indicated the financial impact was too much to bare.

The club said it would work with Super League and the RFL to “understand the process” of moving into next season. SSE and the RFL added: “A discussion around the longer term consequences and the future of the Wolfpack in Super League will commence shortly.”

Meanwhile, as expected, the Warriors squad yesterday resumed training at Robin Park.

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“Buzzing being back around the lads!” Jackson Hastings tweeted. “Great first day. Everyone fit and firing. Three weeks and she’s on!”

However, there’s been no confirmation that pay-cut negotiations have been agreed.

Related topics:Super LeagueWalesRFL